Watch in horror as a torrential rain of journalistic clichés reportedly wreaks havoc

Catch phrases -- they're the enemy (or crutch) of non-fiction writers everywhere. You'll find a bumper crop at Newswriting.com - The 100 Worst "Groaners".

A sample: "Aftermath . . . Do you know anyone who says 'aftermath' in normal conversation? When we were kids, aftermath came recess."

I have to admit I've used some of these clichés myself, especially that handy weasel word, "allegedly." And some of them--"staffer," "amid"--actually provide a shorter way to say something that can help the reader, I think. I have to agree that most of these groaners should be avoided (ahem) like the plague, however.